IMMIGRATION

The day before dozens of families are scheduled to be evicted from Massachusetts shelters, protestors plan to hold a vigil at the State House Thursday over new restrictions Gov. Maura Healey made to the family shelter system.

Chat with seasoned musician Nick Lowe, hear about the July 4th Naturalization Ceremony happening in Northampton, and learn about the birth of quasars with Mr. Universe.

Advocates are hoping to find money to fund additional food benefits for immigrants living in Massachusetts who may not be eligible for federal funds.

Many new arrivals to western Massachusetts have anxiously waited months for federal work authorizations.Some Haitians living in Greenfield have finally received their documents and are now finding employment.

We chat with folx from Rachel's Table about their Outrun Hunger event, celebrate our families with a new book from Lesléa Newman that's getting a launch party in Northampton, and head to the Shea Theater to celebrate some of the newest Americans with the program Immigrant Voices.

Although there is a shortage of CNAs or certified nursing assistants in Massachusetts, the state certification exam has been an obstacle to English language learners. Starting this summer, the state will also offer the exam in Spanish, Chinese and Haitian Creole.

Families eligible for state safety-net shelters will need to be recertified each month to remain in the overflow family shelter sites as of May 1, according to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey's office.

The nonprofit Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds purchased a stretch of storefronts in Pittsfield. It has converted one into a food pantry where classes and events are held, including dance classes for children and a recent meeting on immigration law.

An attempt by Congress to sort out the immigration issue fell apart last week. The question of how Massachusetts' governor will handle the ever increasing number of unhoused families seeking shelter in the Commonwealth, continues to be top-of-mind for many across the Baystate.

Since arriving in Massachusetts in mid-December, John's family has been on a harrowing journey. With their young daughter, he and his wife spent 12 nights sleeping on the hard floor at Logan Airport. Now, they're staying at an overflow shelter that's only open at night, and has just two bathrooms for roughly 200 people.